Page 1 of 1 The Minardi Formula One team's 2003 challenger, the PS03, ran successfully for the first time during a private test session at Ferrari's Fiorano facility. The new car, powered by Cosworth Racing's CR-3 V10 engine, is a carefully considered technical evolution of last year's already effective chassis, and features an improved aerodynamic package and better weight distribution than its predecessor. The performance potential of the PS03 is also notably enhanced, courtesy of the reduced weight, higher maximum engine speed and increased power output of the Cosworth engine compared with last year's power unit. The gearbox is a further development of the innovative, titanium-cased, six-speed transmission that Minardi has used to great effect over the past two years.

Drivers Justin Wilson and Jos Verstappen were both present at Fiorano for the 'roll-out' of the PS03, with the experienced Dutch driver the first to sample the performance of the car. The latest Minardi did not disappoint, and after some software issues were addressed, Verstappen completed a total of 24 trouble-free laps of the famous Italian test track in sunny, but cool conditions, pronouncing himself well pleased with the feel of the PS03 at the conclusion of the afternoon session. Page 1 of 1